Non-Native English Speaker Tips

GMAT prep strategies for non-native English speakers

The GMAT is administered in more than 100 countries; many of the GMAT's test takers speak English as a second or third language. Even though GMAC states that higher vocabulary is less important than reasoning skills in the Verbal section, you will need to have a certain level of knowledge of the English language in order to pass the GMAT with a high score.

To be fair, GMAC has taken steps to level the playing field more (such as reducing idioms). However, non-native speakers with weaker English speaking skills may still be at a disadvantage. But does that does not mean failure in the GMAT.

There are many great resources to help raise your level of English as you study for the GMAT. The most important thing is for you to be an active learner and take control of your English skills.

Here are some tips on improving your English for the GMAT:

Practice the English language as much as possible. Listen to English podcasts and watch English-speaking shows, movies and documentaries.

Read in English in an active manner. Stick with newspapers and magazines that cover current events, but refrain from reading complex novels – they won’t be handy for the GMAT.

When prepping for the GMAT, use a dictionary and create a list of new words. Aim to use some of these new words, especially if these are words encountered regularly in GMAT material.

Try to understand words from context. Words do not exist in a vacuum, but their meaning in a sentence is part and parcel to the context. So, it is important to understand what’s around the word to derive its meaning.

Note that other languages have similarities to English (e.g. Latin-based languages). Many times, the roots are similar. You can use this to your advantage if you know one of these languages.

If your knowledge of the English language is very low, then there is no choice. It will be necessary to strengthen those skills before taking the GMAT. Sign up for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, which may prove useful along with using the many free resources available for ESL students.

How to approach specific sections

Although you do have a considerable amount of work ahead of you, fear not: this can be done, and plenty of test-takers in your shoes have not only gotten through the Verbal and Critical Reasoning sections, but have also excelled in them.

For starters, in addition to the test preparation materials you’re currently going through, read every day. And I mean every day.The Economist is a great place to start, but regardless of what you’re reading, challenge yourself to really learn something from each article you read, rather than focusing on knowing what every single word in the article means. Your goal here is to train your mind to really comprehend and digest what you’re reading, which are two skills you’ll want to beef up on before you take your GMAT.

Also try making lists of common concepts you’ll need to know when taking your GMAT. Concepts such as parallel markers, subjunctive mode words, parallel idioms and even just singular and plural forms of words would make for great lists that you can review even when you’re on the go. Again, challenge yourself to go beyond simply preparing for your test and make these concepts instinctual.

These are just a couple tips to get you started, but feel free to experiment and see what works best for you. Either way, make sure what you decide on is part of your daily routine, and I’m confident you’ll be well prepared to tackle your Verbal and Critical Reasoning sections!

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